Curly Hallman took an LSU team that was competing for SEC Titles every year and completely destroyed the program. His overall record was 16-28 at LSU. He took over as coach in 1990, only 2 years removed from LSU winning a conference title.

Archer is/was a pretty good DC and a great linebackers coach. He was too young (I always defend Archer by reminding people that he is 3 1/2 months older than Les Miles), the wrong man at the wrong time, however you want to explain it.

Also, Archer won more games in his first 2 years than Hallman won in 4, had a winning record in the SEC - just a number of things to make him much better than Hallman.